Head of Molecular Engineering – Plant Biology

Ellison Institute, LLC; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford seeks a Head of Molecular Engineering to build and lead a world‑class molecular biology function within the Plant Biology Institute.

The role will establish high-throughput capabilities and collaborate with bioinformatics, tissue culture and field-phenotyping teams to translate cutting‑edge science into crop improvements.

You will provide technical leadership, coach scientists, guide experimental design and ensure rigorous standards across projects.

Qualifications

• PhD with 10+ years post-PhD in molecular biology or related field.
• Proven experience leading scientific teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong people management, collaboration and communication skills.
• Expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry and high-throughput methods.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a world-class molecular biology and synthetic biology function.
• Set technical strategy and standards for high-throughput capabilities.
• Support plant tissue culture and transformation with DNA/RNA parts.
• Provide hands-on leadership in experimental design and coaching.
• Establish a responsive core facility across project teams.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics, tissue culture and phenotyping teams.
• Establish high-throughput genotyping and molecular characterization workflows.
• Develop CRISPR design and multiplex editing strategies.
• Advance high-content assays to study plant biology at scale.
• Assess and deploy emerging technologies like automation and AI.
• Design processes for planning, documentation, data capture and transfer.
• Manage capacity and priorities while maintaining excellence.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Communication

Team building

High-throughput biology

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

Tools

Sequencing technologies

Bioinformatics

Job description

Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford seeks a Head of Molecular Engineering to build and lead a world‑class molecular biology function within the Plant Biology Institute.

The role will establish high-throughput capabilities and collaborate with bioinformatics, tissue culture and field-phenotyping teams to translate cutting‑edge science into crop improvements.

You will provide technical leadership, coach scientists, guide experimental design and ensure rigorous standards across projects.